Fiber optical terminal cross connect closure

ABSTRACT

A connector closure for fiber optical cables includes a base portion having first and second compartments. One of the first and second compartments is designed to have a cover or door that allow selective access, while the other compartment signed for only authorized access. The connector closure features universal mounting arrangements, e.g., aerial, surface/wall, pedestal, or vault arrangements. Further, the closure may incorporate a splice enclosure.

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisionalapplication Ser. No. 62/509,590, filed May 22, 2017, the entiredisclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a fiber optical cross connect unit or closure,and more particularly to a closure with improved slack and fiberhandling and optical cable capabilities.

It is known in the industry to provide a closure design. See, forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 7,471,867, the entire disclosure of which isexpressly incorporated herein by reference. However, there is a greaterneed for flexibility and improved features associated with the networkand distribution aspects of a fiber closure.

The closure may be a kit arrangement that includes various options wherefeatures such as a splice tray, adapter panels, pigtails, strain relieffeatures, a ground lug, etc. The rectangular, box-shaped closureincludes a base that has a base wall and sidewalls extending therefromto define a cavity. One or more cables are received through at least oneof the sidewalls and extend into the closure cavity. Typically, a coveris secured (e.g., hinged) to the base to allow selective ingress andegress to the cavity of the closure.

It is desirable to minimize the size or dimensional footprint of theclosure, yet achieve this reduced size without compromisingfunctionality. For example, it is desirable that the closure provideorganization of the input cable and individual optical fibers thereof,as well as sufficient volume for fusion splices (typically a splice trayaccommodated therein to interconnect selected lines from the input cableto, for example, pigtails).

It is desirable to provide a modular cover that may enhance theorganization functionality of other connector bases such that a spliceconnector, for example, could be modified with the cover to give the boxadded distribution features.

A need exists for an improved arrangement that reduces the size of theclosure while simultaneously providing improved features and benefitsrelative to prior art arrangements.

SUMMARY

There is provided an improved connector closure that includes a securenetwork portion and an accessible distribution portion.

The connector closure includes improved universal features, enhancedsealing capabilities, and protects disconnected drop lines.

Further, the connector closure can be secured to a splice closure tomaximize potential benefits of the closure.

The connector closure is available in different port configurations,e.g. 4, 8, in 12 port configurations, and allows pass through networkdesigns in a compact size.

The connector closure is adaptable for use in aerial service,surface/wall mounting, pedestal service, or vault service.

The terminal provides for fast hookup and disconnect of drop cable fieldconnections.

Another advantage relates to slack storage in the base of the closure,as well as slack storage management. The closure can be configured tohave either one or two fiber entrance ports at the base of the closureand drop fiber installation is located in a separate compartmentensuring that the installer only comes into contact with the dropinstallation cables.

The closure allows the base of the closure to be expanded into asplicing unit, and since the closure is re-enterable, easy maintenanceaccess is permitted for technicians to troubleshoot and connectorizeeach drop in the field.

Benefits and advantages of the present disclosure will become moreapparent from reading and understanding the following detaileddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a combination closure that providesdistribution access and selective network access.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the combination closure with a coverclosed over the network access portion, and a separate hinged cover forthe distribution access portion shown in an open position, or anon-captive opening allows installation of a pre-connectorized dropcable without having to expose or secure the central strength member(CSM).

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the combination closure with the coverremoved from over the network access portion, and the hinged cover forthe distribution access portion shown in an open position, and which canbe used to contain distribution cables and thereby separate them fromthe mid span access section from the splice compartment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the combination closure of FIG. 1taken generally along a central longitudinal portion thereof, and wherea bulkhead can be removed from the splice compartment or an angledbulkhead can be removed from the splice compartment.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the combination closure.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the combination closure illustratingthe latch and lockout features for the covers.

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the combination closure illustratingthe hinged closure for the distribution access portion.

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the combination closure.

FIG. 9 is an end view of the combination enclosure taken generally fromthe left-hand end of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is an end view of the combination closure taken generally fromthe right-hand end of FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a strain relief clamp assembly forindividual distribution or drop cables with a connector (the explodedleft-hand view shows the clamp partially assembled, while the right-handview shows the clamp assembled).

FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective views illustrating a reversible bottompanel.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of a strain relief/seal regionof the combination closure of FIG. 1 that receives individual droplines.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the combination closure with a spliceenclosure hingedly secured to the bottom of the combination closure.

FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the combination closure with thesplice closure.

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the combinationclosure and splice closure of FIGS. 15 and 16.

FIGS. 18A-18G, 19A-19C, 20A-20E show additional views of a terminationenclosure for an aerial configuration.

FIGS. 21A-21F show additional views of a termination enclosure for apedestal configuration.

FIGS. 22A-22G, 23A-23D, 24A, and 24B illustrate additional views of thetermination enclosure with a splice enclosure.

FIGS. 25A, 25B, 26A, 26B, and 27A-27D are views of the terminationaccommodating round cable grommets and flat drop grommets.

FIGS. 28-29 illustrate an external strain relief member secured to theoutside of the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning initially to FIGS. 1-10, there is shown a fiber tap and patchclosure, also referred to herein as a combination or connector closure,100 formed of a rigid material such as a glass filled polypropylene orsimilar rigid, durable material that is designed to withstand the rigorsof the environment such as temperature, UV light, and the need to allowselective access for patching or splicing, as well as ordered storage ofindividual fiber drops having connectors formed at one end. Moreparticularly, the connector closure 100 includes a base portion 102having a base wall 104 and a sidewall 106 extending around andperpendicularly from an external perimeter of the base wall. Formed inthe base wall 104 are mounting features such as bosses 110 that receivethreaded inserts or fasteners (not shown) for securing the closure 100to a wall or planar surface (not shown), aerial mounting (secured to afiber optic cable assembly), and/or pole (not shown). Mounting features112 may be provided at opposite ends of the base wall 104 to secure theclosure 100 to a pole in a conventional manner. Preferably, alternativemounting features 110 (FIG. 4), 112 (e.g., FIG. 6) are provided so thatthe connector closure 100 is universal in nature and can be assembled inthe field as needed to fit the particular requirement (e.g., wall,aerial, or pole mounting) and without installers having to carryseparate inventory of each type of mounting.

If desired, the base wall 104 can be formed as a removable base platethat is assembled to the sidewall 106 so that one surface 104 a (FIG.13) of the base plate 104 accommodates pedestal and wall mounting of theconnector closure 100, while the opposite surface 104 b (FIG. 12) of thebase plate is suitable for aerial connection. By simply rotating thebase plate 104′ one hundred eighty (180°), the same component (baseplate) can be used by an installer to provide universal mounting, i.e.,either pedestal or wall mounting in one orientation, or aerial mountingin the other orientation.

The connector closure 100 is generally divided into first and secondcompartments 114, 116 by a separation or dividing wall 118 that extendsin perpendicular fashion from the base wall 104 at a location betweenend portions of the sidewall 106 (FIG. 3). More particularly, the firstcompartment 114 defines a patch portion of the connector closure 100that is selectively closed by a cover 130. Preferably, the cover 130 isdesigned to be permanently closed (i.e. semi-permanently closed) tolimit access to the patch portion 114 of the connector closure 100 byauthorized personnel only. For example, the cover 130 is preferablysecured via fasteners such as mounting screws that extend throughelongated bosses 132 extending upwardly from the base wall 104 of thepatch portion 114 of the connector closure 100. Thus, a sealing memberor gasket 134 is provided on the underside perimeter portion of thecover 130 or along the upper perimeter edge of the sidewall 106 (e.g.,an integrated over-molded gasket) that receives and supports a perimeterof the cover 130 in order to provide desired sealing between theconnector closure 100 and the cover from the external environment whenthe cover is mounted in place. Further, the first compartment 114includes first and second service ports cable assembly input sections140 adapted to receive first and/or second cable assemblies CA.Particularly, the cable assembly input sections 140 each include apartial sleeve 142 that partially covers a recess or opening 144 (FIGS.3-4). The partial sleeve 142 has an inner surface that conforms to theouter cylindrical surface or contour of the cable assembly CA. Aremovable plate 150 (FIG. 13) on the base 104 receives a round or flatseal arrangement of the input cable. Once the input cable is insertedbeneath the partial sleeve 142 into the associated recess 144, the plate150 (FIG. 13) is secured to the base wall 104 to secure the perimeter ofthe cable CA and resist pullout forces. This arrangement provides forentry of the cable(s) CA into the closure 100 in a direction that is insubstantially the same plane as the base wall 104, and provides for easeof entry into the patch portion 114 of the connector closure (FIG. 3),and also assures that the cable assemblies are secured against pulloutforces and additionally sealed relative to the external environment.Still other strain relief mounting structure can be employed to enhancethe retention of the cable assemblies CA within the closure 100.

Disposed on the other side of the dividing wall 118 of the base 102 ofthe connector closure 100 is the second compartment 116 (FIGS. 3-4) usedas a distribution access compartment for storing and/or connectingconnectorized ends of individual, single fiber drop lines DL. By way ofexample, terminal connectorized ends of individual drop lines DL areshown in these figures, although a greater or lesser number of droplines can be accommodated and received in the connector closure 100 asnecessary. Specifically, a modular, push-to-connect connector 160 isprovided on the end of each of the drop lines DL for mating receipt withan associated push-to-connect receptacle 162 mounted in the dividingwall 118, and as particularly evident in FIGS. 3-4, the receptacle is toa limited to receive push-to-connect connectors on both sides of thereceptacle. This simplifies the connection of the individual drop linesDL with an associated fiber that is connected to a receptacle 162mounted in a bulkhead 164 from the patch portion 114 of the connectorclosure 100 and that connect with an associated receptacle 166 (FIG. 4)in the patch portion/first compartment 114 of the closure. The secondcompartment 116 acts as a “covered parking lot” for the individual droplines DL that may not be connected to a receptacle 162. The disconnectedconnectors 162 are no longer exposed to the elements and instead areprotected from the external environment within the second compartment116. In addition, a field accessible cover or door 180 is mounted orhinged at 182 to the sidewall 106 along one edge of the distributionaccess compartment 116. An opposite edge of the field accessible cover180 preferably includes a pair of over-center draw latches or a similarlatching assembly 184 that allows for ease of ingress and egress to thedistribution access compartment 116. If desired, a tamper tag lockout186 can also be added adjacent the latching assembly to allow readyindication whether unauthorized entry has been made to the distributionaccess compartment 116. It is understood that any cover capable of anopen state and a closed state may be used to allow or prevent access toa compartment, respectively. These covers include but are not limited toa single door with at least one hinged, multiple opposing doors, coversa slight on-off against the base, etc.—alternatives which are not aspreferred but fall within the scope and intent of the presentdisclosure.

The distribution access compartment 116 preferably includes a cableretention channel 190 that receives a strain relief clamp 192 associatedwith each of the drop lines DL (see FIGS. 2-4 and 11). The clamp 192preferably includes first and second c-shaped portions 192 a, 192 b thatsurround a metal crimp 193 that includes an outwardly extending radialshoulder 194 (FIG. 14) that is axially located between retention fingers196 that grip the periphery of the drop line DL. Shoulders 198 of thechannel 190 further resist axial movement of the drop lines relative tothe closure 100. Once positioned in place, the cable retention channel190 is preferably filled with a seal material such as a gel orrubber-type sealant to preclude moisture and dust ingress into thedistribution access compartment 116. In this manner, once the dropline(s) DL is/are installed into the proper drop slot of the retentionchannel 190 with the gel/seal, closing the cover 180 will axially lockthe drop lines in the closure. Gel or any other cured material is usedas a sealing mechanism for the distribution/drop cables in a fiber opticsplice closure with or without mid span access. The cables would bedirectly installed/pushed (non-captive/captive) into/through the gelmaterial without any need for additional effort to compress the gelmaterial around the cable. The gel might be compressed with thedoor/cover closed. Non-captive gel pockets are preferably located in thebase aligned with the installation door sections. The gel can beinstalled in either the base/Installation door only, or in both tocreate the proper designed sealing of the compartment/unit. There issufficient strength provided by metal in the wall/shoulders 198 thatform retention channel 190, and the crimp shoulder 194 of the clamp 192provides additional strain relief to the drop lines DL while the sealprovides the desired protection against the external environment. Stillother crimp or fastening methodologies illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings may be used.

As will be appreciated and as illustrated in the various figures,disconnected ends or connectors 160 on the individual drop lines DL areaccommodated in the storage area provided by the distribution accesscompartment 116. In this manner, disconnected drop lines DL are nolonger exposed to the external environment, which reduces the potentialfor damage (for example, where a disconnected drop line is otherwiseblowing in the wind) until such time as a connection is required.

FIG. 11 illustrates further features of the strain relief assembly eachof the fiber drop lines DL. In a preferred arrangement, the strainrelief clamp 192 is formed by a pair of cooperating C-shaped portions192 a, 192 b that when received over the outer diameter of a drop lineDL, then press fit together and the clamp is received within theretention channel 190. In addition to the sealant in the retentionchannel 190, a seal ring or o-ring 199 may also be placed over the outerdiameter of the drop line DL adjacent the strain relief clamp 192 tolimit the potential for ingress of any dust or moisture along theinterface between the drop line and the strain relief clamp, in additionto holding the c-shaped clamp portions 192 a, 192 b together.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate how the connector closure 100 can be piggybackedto a conventional splice case 200. In this manner, the connector closure100 is part of a modular arrangement where splicing can be completed ina well-known, conventional manner in the splice closure 200 and aknockout panel 202 provided in the base wall 104 of the connectorclosure 100. The knockout panel 202 provides suitable access to feedindividual fibers lines from the splice tray 204 in the splice enclosure200, through an opening in the base wall 104 when the knockout panel isremoved. As will be appreciated, one edge of the splice enclosure 200can be modified so that the splice enclosure is mounted (e.g., hinged)to the connector closure 100 described in connection with FIGS. 1-10.Similarly, over center draw latch assemblies or another type of latcharrangement 210 can be provided to secure the connector enclosure 100 tothe splice enclosure 200. With the above description/options the unitbecomes a field upgradeable, modular in design unit with thecapabilities of a mid-span access with/without fiber splicing.

FIGS. 18A-18G illustrate a cross connect closure with twelve fiber dropdistribution cable ports provided at a first end of the housing. A fieldaccessible door is provided at that end of the housing, preferablyhinged along one side and selectively latched at the opposite side whenthe doors in a closed position. As evident in FIGS. 18B and 18F,pole/wall mounting bosses extend outwardly from the bottom surface ofthe housing. Further, a service entry port is shown extending throughthe bottom surface of the housing. As previously noted, the bottom plateis removable via fasteners such as mounting screws, so that the bottomsurface may be rotated 180° to prepare the closure for aerial mountingconfiguration.

FIGS. 19A-19C illustrate the field and recover in the open position.This allows access to the compartment that holds the individual fiberdrop lines, which may be individually connected with the adapters withinthe compartment. The underside of the cover includes a perimeter gasketsuch as an overmolded gasket region to limit ingress of dirt andmoisture to the compartment. Moreover, these views illustrate the cableretention channel formed adjacent the perimeter edge of the compartment.The channel includes strain relief clips and channel is filled with agel or rubber-type sealant to keep moisture and dust out.

FIGS. 20A-20E illustrate further details of snap-in spring clips securedto the external surface of the fiber drop lines while the firstcompartment cover or door is open. For example, a metal cable crimpprovided on the exterior of the fiber drop cable is useful as a part ofthe drop cable strain relief clamp. As particularly illustrated in FIG.20C, the outer wall of the first compartment of the closure includesfiber drop cable grooves that receive the outer perimeter of anindividual fiber drop cable and the cable proceeds inwardly into thefirst compartment. The grooves are generally u-shaped grooves that areuseful to resist pullout forces. The individual fiber drop cable extendsthrough similar u-shaped grooves in a metal retaining wall bracket. Themetal bracket adds greater strength and rigidity against pullout forces.Further, at this entrance region of the individual fiber drop cablelines into the first compartment, there is provided a gel pocket that isfilled after the items are all installed.

FIGS. 21A-21F illustrate the same general features in a pedestalmounting configuration.

FIGS. 22A-22G, 23A-23D, and 24A-24B show one of the previously describedconnector closures used in conjunction with a splice enclosure. Thesplice enclosure is mounted to a lower portion of the connector closureas perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 23C. The fiber splice compartmentcan be an add on enclosure, for example, that snaps onto existing hingedknuckles of the termination enclosure described in the earlierembodiments. The fiber splice enclosure includes clips for orienting andorganizing the individual splices, incorporation of a conventionalsplice tray, etc.

FIGS. 25A-25B, 26A-26B, and 27A-27D illustrate how different shaped flator round cables can be incorporated into the assembly by modifyinggrommets that receive the perimeter of the individual drop lines.

FIGS. 28-29 illustrate a modified connector closure that adds anadditional strain relief component to the structure. Particularly, anexternal (preferably metal) strain relief bracket is shown in FIG. 29and incorporated on or mounted to the closure (FIG. 28). The portion(first leg) of the bracket that abuts along the outer surface of theclosure may include a series of grooves or recesses that receive gussetsor strengthening ribs on the outside of the closure and limit movementof the bracket relative to the closure, and/or one or more openings thatreceive respective fasteners to secure the bracket of FIG. 29 onto theclosure adjacent the existing internal strain relief structuralarrangement described in connection with earlier embodiments. Further,one of the recesses on the second portion (second leg) of the bracketare dimensioned to receive the individual drop lines therein.Specifically, as is common, each recess has a narrow region throughwhich the outer perimeter of the individual drop lines is pushed throughto a slightly larger region of the recess that receives the drop line.This provides further resistance to pull-out forces, and also providesimproved organization of the multiple drop lines to orient the droplines in a desired direction. One or more recesses could be slightlyenlarged relative to the other recesses if desired to receive largerdiameter cable therein.

This written description uses examples to describe the disclosure,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to make and use the disclosure. Other examples that occur to thoseskilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the inventionif they structural elements that do not differ from the same concept, orif they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantialdifferences.

What is claimed is:
 1. A connector closure comprising: a base portion including, a base wall and a sidewall, wherein the side wall extends around and perpendicularly from an external perimeter of the base wall; a separation wall extending from and perpendicular to the base wall that forms a first compartment and a second compartment; at least one cable input port in the first compartment configured to receive an associated cable assembly through an aperture in the base portion, wherein at least one cable input port further comprises a partial sleeve including an inner surface that conforms to part of an outer contour of the associated cable assembly, a removable cable plate incorporated into the base wall with a portion configured to conform to part of the outer contour of the associated cable assembly, and wherein once an associated cable is inserted into the aperture, the removable cable plate is secured to the base wall to secure the associated cable between the partial sleeve and cable plate; the second compartment including at least one distribution component; and at least one connector receptacle mounted in the separation wall where the receptacle establishes a signal connection between a cable of the associated cable assembly located in the first compartment with an associated distribution component located in the second compartment; a first cover mounted to the base portion that encloses the first compartment; and a second cover that encloses the second compartment, wherein the second cover is mounted to the base portion such that the second cover has an open state allowing selective access to the second compartment and a closed state preventing access to the second compartment.
 2. The connector closure of claim 1 wherein the base wall is a removable base plate including a connector that secures the removable base plate to the sidewall.
 3. The connector closure of claim 1 further comprising a first sealing member provided on an underside perimeter portion of the first cover.
 4. The connector closure of claim 1, wherein the associated distribution component is a drop line.
 5. The connector closure of claim 1, wherein the at least one connector receptacle is a push-to-connect connector.
 6. The connector closure of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of cable retention channels adapted to accommodate an associated distribution component.
 7. The connector closure of claim 6 further comprising a sealant disposed in the cable retention channels, wherein the seal and prevents moisture and dust ingress into the second compartment.
 8. The connector closure of claim 7 further comprising adapted to surround a perimeter of an associated distribution component and conform to a contour for receipt in a cable retention channel.
 9. The connector closure of claim 1 further comprising a first latching/locking mechanism for securing the first cover and thereby accessible by authorized personnel only, and a second cover that encloses the second compartment, wherein the second cover is hinged to the sidewall and includes an independent, different second latching/locking mechanism than the first latching/locking mechanism such that the second cover has an open state allowing access to the second compartment and a closed state preventing access to the second compartment.
 10. The connector closure of claim 9 includes a selectively configurable bottom wall that can be rotated for mounting in one of first and second orientations for alternate mounting configurations, or an external strain relief mounted to an external surface of the body.
 11. The connector closure of claim 1 further comprising a cable retention channel formed by first and second shoulders each having slots formed therein dimensioned to receive an associated distribution component therein.
 12. The connector closure of claim 11 wherein the cable retention channel is filled with a seal material that prevents moisture and dust ingress into the second compartment.
 13. The connector closure of claim 12 wherein the seal material is one of a gel or rubber-type sealant.
 14. The connector closure of claim 13 further comprising a seal material on the second cover.
 15. The connector closure of claim 14 wherein the seal material is one of a gel or rubber-type sealant. 